I really can't help it, but I do get a little sceptical when I see new "wonder" tools coming onto the market and I'm reluctant to feature much of what is offered in this genre.  On the other hand, there are occasions when a tool is brought to my attention which really blows. my socks off (metaphorically, at least!).

One such is the Supercut tool produced by Bierton Craft Turnery, here in the UK, by its inventor and evangelist, Frank Steele.  Although originally designed to be a super-safe alternative to a bowl gouge, able to put the most timid tyro at their ease, the latest incarnation of this versatile tool is an amazing performer in more experienced hands.

Quite frankly, until I saw it, and used it, I simply didn't believe it.  Once I had used it, I still couldn't believe it, but now it was not scepticism about the Supercut but utter disbelief that such an apparently simple tool could be such a timber-eater, leave a superb surface finish and yet be so un-dramatic whilst performing its amazing feats.  Thereafter, each time I demonstrated the tool, it was sold.  We can't really get around the demonstration aspect on the website (though you are at liberty simply to believe me!) but I have put together a series of photos which show the tool in use, giving some idea of the its versatility and prodigious appetite.

What else does the Supercut do (apart from making cynics stand and watch in amazement!)?  It hollows within hollow forms and it allows you to undercut bowl lips in complete safety .  Yes, with this tool, you can cut across inside the bottom of a bowl, way under an undercut lip, reach the outside extent of the hollow, then simply continue bringing the tool back towards the opening, cutting all the time - in either direction.  You can cut towards the centre or, conventionally, out towards the rim.  You can adjust the fineness of cut with only simple adjustment.  Sharpening of the hard-wearing cutter is carried out very easily using conventional tool grinding equipment and a home-built "jig".  The tool is reversible for inboard/outboard turning and the square shank prevents rolling on the toolrest and ensures accurate and repeatable tool presentation with no fuss or gimmicks.

Three sizes of the original Supercut Universal are available, along with a range of accessories, as noted below.  The "standard" size, recommended for most applications is the 1/2" Supercut (the 1/2" refers to the cutter diameter) which has a 1/2" square shank giving approximately 9.1/2" reach over the toolrest and a 16" long turned hardwood handle.  (NB:  The 7/8" Supercut is no longer available.)

A number of accessories are also available including a Side Handle to give improved stability when using the Supercut with the head heavily offset, in hollowing work particularly.  Even more support can be gained by using the Outrider attachment which provides a support bar which rests on the toolrest and directly inhibits any tendency for the tool to roll when undercutting etc.  To help gauge wall thickness when using the tool for hollowing there's the Sizer attachment.  If you feel that you need more than one size of Supercut, then there's a neat accessory available to help there too: the Downsizer attachment.  This allows the next smaller size cutter to be mounted on any Supercut except the 3/8".  i.e. a 1/2" cutter on the 5/8" and 3/8" cutter on the 1/2".  So useful is this facility that we have put together a number of bundles which combine the Supercut with the appropriate Downsizer attachment, at a discount price .  Of course, as with all the tools we sell, we also supply spare cutters and spare parts kits.

The original Supercut Universal has since been joined by a little brother, the aptly-named Supercut Junior.  This has been designed to be simpler in use by eliminating the cutter angle adjustment.  Instead of having to set the angle of the cutter, the Junior has been built with the cutter already pre-set at an angle which has proven to be optimum for the majority of timbers.  This makes the tool easier to set up and use: the problem with all adjustment systems is that they present more opportunities for getting things wrong than for getting them correct!  Those who have shied away from the apparent complexity and sophistication of the Supercut Universal will find the Junior very much to their taste.  The Junior is also shorter than its big brother, reducing the loading on the tool handle and making the whole tool very manouverable.  The Junior is available only in 3/8" (10 mm) and 1/2" (13 mm) sizes and the cutters are common to both the Universal and the Junior.  Oh yes - and it costs less too!  What more could you ask?

©1997-2005 P. Hemsley.  The information on this website is the copyright property of Peter Hemsley.  Coeur du Bois and The ToolPost are trading styles of Peter Hemsley.  Whilst reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, no liability can be accepted for errors in this information nor for contingencies arising therefrom.  If you are inexperienced in any aspect of woodworking, we would strongly counsel that you take a course of formal instruction before commencing to practice